Tully Rinckey PLLC Is NY’s First Law Firm Certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business

Growing firm, founded by veterans, looks to new opportunities created by certification

February 19, 2015 – Albany, N.Y. – Tully Rinckey PLLC has become the first law firm in New York State to be certified as a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) under a state law passed last year.

The firm certification, made by the Division of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development within the New York State Office of General Services, came less than a year after Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act. The act aims to increase eligible veteran-owned business involvement in state contracting by establishing a six percent participation goal for such enterprises.

“This certification opens new opportunities that were previously just out of reach for Tully Rinckey PLLC and other SDVOB’s like us. We are honored to be the first law firm certified under this law and look forward to servicing the needs of state contractors, agencies and authorities from our offices across the state,” said Tully Rinckey PLLC Founding Partner Greg T. Rinckey, a former active duty captain in the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. “If you are a state agency or authority or contractor seeking a qualified legal firm, Tully Rinckey PLLC, the first and only SDVOB law firm in New York, wants to do business with you.”

Mr. Rinckey’s fellow founding partner, Mathew B. Tully, is a service-disabled veteran. Last May Mr. Tully was medically retired from the U.S. Army after nearly two decades of military service. His retirement came following a long recovery from injuries he sustained during a suicide bomber attack involving a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device in 2012. As a result of his service in Afghanistan, Mr. Tully was awarded the Combat Action Badge, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

Mr. Rinckey also sustained service-connected injuries prior to being honorably discharged from the Army in 2004.

To speak to Mr. Rinckey, or for more information, please contact Charles McChesney at (518) 218-7100 or at cmcchesney@1888law4life.com.

]]>http://www.tullylegal.com/albany-ny/news/tully-rinckey-pllc-is-nys-first-law-firm-certified-as-a-service-disabled-veteran-owned-business/feed/0Memorial Day is a Time to Reflect and Honor Purple Heart Recipientshttp://www.tullylegal.com/albany-ny/news/memorial-day-is-a-time-to-reflect-and-honor-purple-heart-recipients/
http://www.tullylegal.com/albany-ny/news/memorial-day-is-a-time-to-reflect-and-honor-purple-heart-recipients/#commentsFri, 23 May 2014 19:18:51 +0000Tully Rinckey PLLChttp://www.tullylegal.com/albany-ny/?p=20175Tully Rinckey PLLC to sponsor membership to Gold Star parents and others in The Military Order of the Purple Heart One local Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) is giving back to the families of fallen service members and fellow veterans. …

Tully Rinckey PLLC to sponsor membership to Gold Star parents and others in The Military Order of the Purple Heart

One local Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) is giving back to the families of fallen service members and fellow veterans. Tully Rinckey PLLC is proud to announce during this Memorial Day weekend the firm will sponsor membership in The Military Order of the Purple Heart for Capital Region recipients of the Purple Heart medal and the parents of deceased Purple Heart recipients (as associate members of the MOPH). Parents of service members killed in combat are called “Gold Star Parents” because of a tradition that dates back to World War I. Families would hang a banner in their window, with blue stars representing those serving in the U.S. armed forces. The blue star was covered in gold if a family member was killed in battle.

The Purple Heart is the oldest and one of the most recognized medals for members of the Armed Forces of the United States. Originally called the “Badge of Military Merit”, General George Washington established the medal on August 7, 1782, from his headquarters in Newburgh, N.Y.

The Purple Heart is awarded to those who have been wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military. Between Dec. 5, 2001 and Dec. 31, 2013, 8,706 service members involved in the war in Afghanistan, also known as Operation Enduring Freedom, have been awarded the Purple Heart, according to the U.S. Army Human Resources Command.

One of those is Retired New York Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel and Tully Rinckey PLLC Founding Partner Mathew B. Tully, Esq. He was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained in a suicide bombing while serving in Afghanistan. Mr. Tully has deployed overseas five times during his nearly 20 year military career. His firm, Tully Rinckey PLLC, was founded in the back bedroom of his ski home in Hunter, N.Y. shortly after he escaped from the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. The firm has grown from that humble beginning into one of the nation’s largest federal sector labor and employment and military law firms. The firm has also become a regional powerhouse, with offices in Albany, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo, as well as Washington, D.C. and Arlington, VA.

“Mat has made many significant sacrifices over his long and decorated military career. I’m proud to lead Tully Rinckey PLLC with him,” said Managing Partner Greg T. Rinckey, who is himself an Army veteran having served for six years with the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. “We’re honored to help those like Mat who have given so much of themselves in service to others.”

The Military Order of the Purple Heart is open to all recipients of the Purple Heart medal, and has nearly 45,000 members across the country. Their mission is to foster an environment of goodwill and camaraderie among combat wounded veterans, and to provide service to all veterans and their families. Gold Star Parents and Purple Heart recipients should mail their applications to Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Albany office. Additional information is available by calling Tully Rinckey PLLC at 1-888-LAW-4-LIFE.

If you would like to speak with Mr. Rinckey or have any questions, please contact Brandon Adamczyk at (518) 218-7100 or via email at badamczyk@1888law4life.com.

]]>http://www.tullylegal.com/albany-ny/news/memorial-day-is-a-time-to-reflect-and-honor-purple-heart-recipients/feed/0Managing Partner Greg T. Rinckey discusses the new SDVOSB bill with The National Veteran Owned Business Associationhttp://www.tullylegal.com/albany-ny/articles/greg-t-rinckey-discusses-new-sdvosb-bill-with-navoba/
http://www.tullylegal.com/albany-ny/articles/greg-t-rinckey-discusses-new-sdvosb-bill-with-navoba/#commentsTue, 13 May 2014 20:57:33 +0000Tully Rinckey PLLChttp://www.tullylegal.com/albany-ny/?p=20143The Empire State is Now Vetrepreneur-Friendly! New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act (S6865/A9135) into law Monday, May 12, establishing a statewide goal to award 6 percent of procurement spending with vetrepreneurs. This doubles the …

The Empire State is Now Vetrepreneur-Friendly!

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act (S6865/A9135) into law Monday, May 12, establishing a statewide goal to award 6 percent of procurement spending with vetrepreneurs. This doubles the federal law and its 3 percent goal, making the New York legislation one of the most vigorous programs among the 27 other vetrepreneur-friendly states (for a full breakdown of state-level vetrepreneur-friendly legislation visit www.navoba.com/statetracker).

“Today New York is taking our commitment to honor the service and sacrifice of the disabled veterans who serve our state and nation to a higher level,” Cuomo said. “This new law sets an ambitious and aggressive goal to make businesses owned by disabled veterans a more active part of state contracting and gives our heroes the recognition that they truly deserve.”

The legislation, sponsored by state Senator Greg Ball and Assembly Member Felix Ortiz, also creates the Division of Service Disabled Veterans’ Business Development within the Office of General Services which will oversee the program and certify eligible businesses.

“We have been fighting to establish this set aside for years and I want to sincerely thank Governor Cuomo for his support and for keeping his commitment to our heroes,” Ball said. “Let it be clear that this is not a handout; this is an opportunity for both employee and employer. These men and women have the exact skill sets we need in the workplace and the integrity we desperately need in the board room.”

Ortiz agreed.

“The enactment of this program will let New York’s military personnel know that the sacrifices and contributions they made for our safety at home are recognized and appreciated, Ortiz said. “Giving our veterans increased economic opportunities as they make the transition back to civilian life is one way we can repay our debt of gratitude to them. For these brave men and women who have returned home with same the spirit they so admirably carried in active duty, we can and should encourage their interest in running their own small businesses. Our veterans deserve this contract preference and I am proud to have been a sponsor of this legislation.”

There were numerous NaVOBA members tirelessly advocating for this legislation including New York law firm Tulley Rinckey, PLLC. Greg T. Rinckey, Esq, Tully Rinckey managing partner, said the new program opens up additional opportunities that were previously just out of reach for Tully Rinckey PLLC and other New York vetrepreneurs. A longtime NaVOBA member, Tulley Rinckey’s 120 employees represent every branch of the U.S. Military and the firm has worked with Sen. Ball throughout the entire process.

“New York State spends billions each year on goods and services, Rinkey said. “This 6 percent set-aside will make sure that money stays right here in the Empire State, supporting service-disabled veterans and encouraging investment in small businesses. Other states, as well as those at the federal level, should take a hard look at what New York State is doing for veterans and small businesses.”

To learn more about the New York Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act and get the registration process started for your business visit veterans.ny.gov/business or contact the NY Office of General Services directly by calling 844-579-7570 or sending an email to veteransdevelopment@ogs.ny.gov.

]]>http://www.tullylegal.com/albany-ny/articles/greg-t-rinckey-discusses-new-sdvosb-bill-with-navoba/feed/0Tully Rinckey PLLC applauds Governor Cuomo for signing the Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act into lawhttp://www.tullylegal.com/albany-ny/articles/tully-rinckey-pllc-applauds-governor-cuomo-for-signing-the-service-disabled-veteran-owned-business-act-into-law/
http://www.tullylegal.com/albany-ny/articles/tully-rinckey-pllc-applauds-governor-cuomo-for-signing-the-service-disabled-veteran-owned-business-act-into-law/#commentsTue, 13 May 2014 14:44:08 +0000http://www.tullylegal.com/albany-ny/?p=20137By Long Island News & PRs Published: May 12 2014 The legislation creates the Division of Service Disabled Veterans’ Business Development within the Office of General Services which will oversee the program. Albany, NY – May 12, 2014 – …

The legislation creates the Division of Service Disabled Veterans’ Business Development within the Office of General Services which will oversee the program.

Albany, NY – May 12, 2014 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed the Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act into law, establishing a six percent goal for participation on state contracts by these businesses in addition to other measures to support disabled veteran-owned companies.The legislation creates the Division of Service Disabled Veterans’ Business Development within the Office of General Services which will oversee the program and certify eligible businesses. The federal government’s goal for awarding contracts to veteran-owned businesses is only three percent and no other state in the nation offers as robust a program which includes set-aside contracts to these small businesses.”Today New York is taking our commitment to honor the service and sacrifice of the disabled veterans who serve our state and nation to a higher level,” Governor Cuomo said. “This new law sets an ambitious and aggressive goal to make businesses owned by disabled veterans a more active part of state contracting and gives our heroes the recognition that they truly deserve. We are proud to lead every state in the nation with this ambitious program and by doing so, continue New York’s undaunted pursuit of greater fairness. I commend the members of the Legislature who worked so hard on this new law.”Senate Co-Leader Dean G. Skelos said, “By signing this legislation, Governor Cuomo allows New York State to take an extraordinary step forward, providing our heroes with the benefits, support and economic opportunities they need and deserve. I commend Senator Ball, a leading voice for veterans all across this state, for his tireless and unrelenting work on this issue.”Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein said, “This legislation demonstrates New York’s commitment to our veterans by ensuring that our brave men and women can thrive in today’s economy. I applaud Governor Cuomo for signing this into law so that our state continues to lead the nation in securing job opportunities for our veteran-owned businesses.”Speaker Sheldon Silver said, “Support for our veterans has always been a priority in the Assembly. We must never forget the sacrifices that they have made in service to our country. With this legislation, we are taking real, tangible action to create economic opportunities for veterans’ to thrive here in our great state. This is a measure of our gratitude to veterans for their defense of our great nation and the protection of our freedoms.”

Senator Greg Ball said, “This single act will do more to reverse the high veteran unemployment rate than anything else we have done, or will do. Yet beyond just creating jobs, this is about saving lives, and confronting the epidemic of veteran suicide through meaningful employment. We have been fighting to establish this set aside for years and I want to sincerely thank Governor Cuomo for his support and for keeping his commitment to our heroes. Let it be clear that this is not a handout; this is an opportunity for both employee and employer. These men and women have the exact skill sets we need in the workplace and the integrity we desperately need in the board room. The same attributes that make these people so vital to defending our freedoms are the same hard earned intangibles that make them exceptional at running their businesses and creating jobs. This is what good people can accomplish when they forget the politics and just focus on doing the right thing. Bravo to all involved, bravo!”

Assembly Member Felix W. Ortiz said, “The enactment of this Veterans Contract program today, with its precedent setting goal of giving 6% of state contracts to service disabled veterans, will let New York’s military personnel know that the sacrifices and contributions they made for our safety at home are recognized and appreciated. Giving our veterans increased economic opportunities as they make the transition back to civilian life is one way we can repay our debt of gratitude to them. For these brave men and women who have returned home with same the spirit they so admirably carried in active duty, we can and should encourage their interest in running their own small businesses. Our veterans deserve this contract preference and I am proud to have been a sponsor of this legislation.”

Every year, the State procures billions of dollars in goods and services for the benefit of the people of New York. The expansion of economic opportunity through the significant purchasing power of the State is but one way to thank service-disabled veterans for their honorable service to our country and to help reintegrate them back into the State’s economy.

Governor Cuomo has made job assistance for veterans a hallmark of his administration. His “Experience Counts” initiative translates veterans’ military skills and experiences into opportunities for employment, and his $74 million tax credit encourages employers to hire New York’s post-9/11 veterans who are currently unemployed.

New York is home to nearly 900,000 veterans, 72 percent of whom have served during periods of conflict.

Information about the program can be found at veterans.ny.gov/business including a contact form that businesses can use to begin the certification process and a list of frequently asked questions. Businesses can also contact OGS directly by calling 844-579-7570 or sending an email to veteransdevelopment@ogs.ny.gov.

OGS is actively recruiting for an Executive Director of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development who will be responsible for developing and implementing a statewide strategic plan to promote participating businesses, including compliance monitoring. The Division will assist eligible businesses in obtaining proper certification and opportunities to participate in state procurements. Over the next 30 days, regulations and certification guidelines will be finalized and the new organization will be established.

OGS commissioner RoAnn Destito, said, “By signing this bill, Governor Cuomo has sent a powerful message to our service-disabled veterans. If you have an eligible small business, New York State wants you to be our partner. I am honored that this Division will be housed at OGS and look forward to working with the Division of Veterans’ Affairs and Empire State Development to provide new opportunities for these deserving businesses.”

Eric J. Hesse, director, New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs, said, “Today’s bill signing demonstrates Governor Cuomo’s strong commitment to hard working veterans. This legislation will open doors for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and is a great opportunity for them to actively take part in some of the billions of dollars of state contracts that are awarded each year.”

Daniel MacDonald, President & CEO, MacDonald Engineering, said, “I feel that New York has taken a great step to thank my fellow Veterans and to welcome us home. With this new legislation, we will have an opportunity to make sure that Veterans have good jobs to help them support their families. Thank you to Governor Cuomo, Senator Ball, Assemblyman Ortiz, and everyone else who worked so hard to make this happen.”

Michael Pascal, State Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of New York, said, “On behalf of the more than 60,000 members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of New York, I want to thank Governor Cuomo for encouraging this legislation. It is great to see the leadership in the State taking the time to address and work on issues facing Veterans and military families. This bill creates great potential for service-disabled Veteran-owned businesses to work with the State. The Veterans of Foreign Wars stands ready to assist our leadership in getting Veterans the recognition that they have earned.”

Ken Governor, State Commander, The American Legion, Department of New York, said, “As the largest Veterans Service Organization, The American Legion, Department of New York, is pleased the New York State enacted this legislation in support of Veterans disabled as a result of their military service.”

Greg Rinckey, Esq., Managing Partner, Tully Rinckey PLLC, said, “New York State spends billions each year on goods and services. The 6% set-aside will make sure that money stays right here in the Empire State, supporting service-disabled Veterans and encouraging investment in small businesses. It will open up additional opportunities that were previously just out of reach for Tully Rinckey PLLC and other service-disabled Veteran-owned small businesses like us. Other states, as well as those at the federal level, should take a hard look at what New York State is doing for Veterans and small businesses.”

]]>http://www.tullylegal.com/albany-ny/articles/tully-rinckey-pllc-applauds-governor-cuomo-for-signing-the-service-disabled-veteran-owned-business-act-into-law/feed/0Tully Rinckey PLLC supports passage of NYS legislation supporting veteranshttp://www.tullylegal.com/albany-ny/articles/tully-rinckey-pllc-supports-nys-legislation-supporting-veterans/
http://www.tullylegal.com/albany-ny/articles/tully-rinckey-pllc-supports-nys-legislation-supporting-veterans/#commentsWed, 09 Apr 2014 21:12:57 +0000Tully Rinckey PLLChttp://www.tullylegal.com/albany-ny/?p=20017New York Poised to Become Vetrepreneur-Friendly The New York State Assembly joined the State Senate in passing legislation (S2803/A5872) that sets a goal to award six percent of state contracts to service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs). The bill is expected …

New York Poised to Become Vetrepreneur-Friendly

The New York State Assembly joined the State Senate in passing legislation (S2803/A5872) that sets a goal to award six percent of state contracts to service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs). The bill is expected to be signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Vetrepreneur advocates in New York, including NaVOBA member Tully Rinckey PLLC, have been leading the support for the measure alongside the bill’s sponsors, State Senator Greg Ball and Assemblyman Felix Ortiz.

“Providing this earned-opportunity to our heroes is common sense,” Ball said. “The governor’s public and recent support is exactly the kick in the pants this bill needed to make it a reality.”

There are more than 192,000 veterans living in New York City, and almost 900,000 veterans statewide. It’s estimated that about 88,000 of these veterans have served in Iraq and Afghanistan post 9/11.

All New York veterans should reach out to Gov. Cuomo and encourage everyone they know to do the same and insist on the passage of this legislation. A similar measure for vetrepreneurs made it all the way to then Gov. Patterson’s desk in 2009, only to be vetoed. This new bill must not see a similar fate.

Contact the Governor’s office by phone (518) 474-8390 or mail:
The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

Senate Passes Bill For State Contract Set-Aside For Disabled Veterans

The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S6865), sponsored by Senator Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson), Chairman of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, to facilitate the awarding of state contracts to disabled veterans.

The bill will create a six percent state contract set-aside for service-connected disabled- veteran owned small businesses. The “Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act” will ensure New York State’s service-connected disabled veterans are better able to compete for millions of dollars in state contracts.

The set-aside is very similar to the highly successful three percent preference that the federal government offers. A three-way agreement on the bill was announced during the Governor’s Veterans and Military Families Summit held last week in Albany.

“New Yorkers can stand tall and proud today knowing that we have kept America’s promise to our veterans and service-disabled heroes. This landmark legislation will create tens of thousands of jobs for veterans statewide and will allow service-disabled veteran small business owners to tap into hundreds of millions of dollars in state contracting,” said Senator Greg Ball. “This single act will do more to reverse the high veteran unemployment rate than anything else we have done, or will do. Yet beyond just creating jobs, this is about saving lives, and confronting the epidemic of veteran suicide through meaningful employment. We have been fighting to establish this set-aside for years and I want to sincerely thank Governor Cuomo for giving us the backing we desperately needed at a critical time. Governor Cuomo is to be applauded for keeping his commitment to our heroes.”

“Let it be clear that this is not a handout, this is an opportunity for both employee and employer,” Senator Ball said. “These men and women have the exact skill sets we need in the workplace and the integrity we desperately need in the board room. The same attributes that make these people so vital to defending our freedoms are the same hard-earned intangibles that make them exceptional at running their businesses and creating jobs. This is what good people can accomplish when they forget the politics and just focus on doing the right thing. Bravo to all involved, bravo!”

State Senate Co-Leader Dean G. Skelos said, “The contributions and sacrifices made by New York’s active duty military veterans and their families are an inspiration to us all. The bill demonstrates our commitment to building on our efforts to ensure that veterans receive the benefits, support and economic opportunities they deserve. I applaud Senator Ball for his efforts on this issue.”

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, New York State is home to nearly 900,000 veterans, 600,000 of whom have served during periods of conflict. According to Governor Andrew Cuomo, there are roughly 106,000 service-connected disabled veterans in New York State.

Eugene Parrotta, Chairman of Senator Greg Ball’s Veterans Advisory Council and two- time Purple Heart recipient, said: “As the director of veterans affairs for the 40th Senate District, under Senator Greg Ball, I am proud to announce that this legislation has finally been approved. It was a long time in coming, but with a forceful array of supporters on both sides it is now on its way to becoming law. It has been my experience in dealing with disabled veterans that there was a feeling of disbelief that New York State did not have this law on the books already. As the state with the most military, most wounded and the most killed in action since this country was founded, a great wrong has been righted. I would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to Governor Cuomo and all the elected officials, especially Senator Ball, for all the hard work.”

Service-connected disabled veterans from Drexel Hamilton, LLC, also joined the efforts in passing this legislation. Drexel Hamilton is a full-service institutional broker-dealer founded on the principle of offering meaningful employment opportunities to disabled veterans desiring a career in financial services.

James Cahill, president of Drexel Hamilton LLC, said: “New York’s veteran-owned businesses will get the opportunities they deserve to compete and grow, thanks to the leadership of Governor Cuomo, Senator Ball, Assemblyman Ortiz and other leaders in Albany who championed this cause. When veteran-owned businesses thrive, it means more veterans have access to meaningful careers that allow them to demonstrate their full capabilities, and it means their families have the chance to share in the American dream. It’s another reason why New York State is a great place to start a business. Drexel Hamilton thanks all of those in Albany for their work in this critical effort for New York’s veterans.”

U.S. Representative Sean Patrick Maloney recently teamed up with Senator Ball to host a “NY Jobs For Heroes Roundtable” at the Carmel Town Hall to call for the legislation. “After our brave men and women have dedicated their lives in service to our country, more than three million veterans have come home to start small businesses. We must do all that we can to support our heroes, and I commend Governor Cuomo and Senator Ball for working together on this historic agreement to ensure our veteran-owned businesses have access to billions of dollars in state contracts. With post 9-11 veterans facing a staggering 9.2 percent unemployment rate nationwide, it’s our duty to help highly skilled veterans start small businesses and gain meaningful employment upon their return to civilian life,” said Representative Sean Patrick Maloney.

Also participating in the “NY Jobs For Heroes” roundtable, as well as Senator Greg Ball’s lobby day in Albany to push for this legislation, was former CEO of HBO and Yorktown resident, Bill Nelson, who said: “Passing the NY Jobs For Heroes legislation sends the strong message that Governor Cuomo and the NYS Senate and Assembly support our service-disabled veterans and recognize the sacrifice they and their families have made. This legislation has always been about giving the opportunity to our disabled veteran small business owners to provide for themselves, and now they can do just that. I especially commend Senator Ball and his colleagues who have fought for this legislation since 2007 and for the Governor’s leadership in bringing this to fruition.”

Tully Rinckey PLLC Managing Partner Greg T. Rinckey, Esq. said: “Passage of this legislation will change the game for Tully Rinckey PLLC, and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses like us across New York. Opening the door to veterans will begin to chip away at the chronically high unemployment rate for New Yorkers who served, and at the same time encourage investment in a small business community that sorely needs it. It’s a win-win. I applaud Senator Ball, and the rest of the Legislature, for making New York a leader in helping veterans, as well as small businesses.”

Albany, N.Y. – 03/24/2014 – The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S6865), sponsored by Senator Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson), Chairman of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, to facilitate the awarding of state contracts to disabled veterans.

The bill will create a six percent state contract set-aside for service-connected disabled- veteran owned small businesses. The “Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act” will ensure New York State’s service-connected disabled veterans are better able to compete for millions of dollars in state contracts.

The set-aside is very similar to the highly successful three percent preference that the federal government offers. A three-way agreement on the bill was announced during the Governor’s Veterans and Military Families Summit held last week in Albany.

“New Yorkers can stand tall and proud today knowing that we have kept America’s promise to our veterans and service-disabled heroes. This landmark legislation will create tens of thousands of jobs for veterans statewide and will allow service-disabled veteran small business owners to tap into hundreds of millions of dollars in state contracting,” said Senator Greg Ball. “This single act will do more to reverse the high veteran unemployment rate than anything else we have done, or will do. Yet beyond just creating jobs, this is about saving lives, and confronting the epidemic of veteran suicide through meaningful employment. We have been fighting to establish this set-aside for years and I want to sincerely thank Governor Cuomo for giving us the backing we desperately needed at a critical time. Governor Cuomo is to be applauded for keeping his commitment to our heroes.”

“Let it be clear that this is not a handout, this is an opportunity for both employee and employer,” Senator Ball said. “These men and women have the exact skill sets we need in the workplace and the integrity we desperately need in the board room. The same attributes that make these people so vital to defending our freedoms are the same hard-earned intangibles that make them exceptional at running their businesses and creating jobs. This is what good people can accomplish when they forget the politics and just focus on doing the right thing. Bravo to all involved, bravo!”

State Senate Co-Leader Dean G. Skelos said, “The contributions and sacrifices made by New York’s active duty military veterans and their families are an inspiration to us all. The bill demonstrates our commitment to building on our efforts to ensure that veterans receive the benefits, support and economic opportunities they deserve. I applaud Senator Ball for his efforts on this issue.”

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, New York State is home to nearly 900,000 veterans, 600,000 of whom have served during periods of conflict. According to Governor Andrew Cuomo, there are roughly 106,000 service-connected disabled veterans in New York State.

Eugene Parrotta, Chairman of Senator Greg Ball’s Veterans Advisory Council and two- time Purple Heart recipient, said: “As the director of veterans affairs for the 40th Senate District, under Senator Greg Ball, I am proud to announce that this legislation has finally been approved. It was a long time in coming, but with a forceful array of supporters on both sides it is now on its way to becoming law. It has been my experience in dealing with disabled veterans that there was a feeling of disbelief that New York State did not have this law on the books already. As the state with the most military, most wounded and the most killed in action since this country was founded, a great wrong has been righted. I would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to Governor Cuomo and all the elected officials, especially Senator Ball, for all the hard work.”

Service-connected disabled veterans from Drexel Hamilton, LLC, also joined the efforts in passing this legislation. Drexel Hamilton is a full-service institutional broker-dealer founded on the principle of offering meaningful employment opportunities to disabled veterans desiring a career in financial services.

James Cahill, president of Drexel Hamilton LLC, said: “New York’s veteran-owned businesses will get the opportunities they deserve to compete and grow, thanks to the leadership of Governor Cuomo, Senator Ball, Assemblyman Ortiz and other leaders in Albany who championed this cause. When veteran-owned businesses thrive, it means more veterans have access to meaningful careers that allow them to demonstrate their full capabilities, and it means their families have the chance to share in the American dream. It’s another reason why New York State is a great place to start a business. Drexel Hamilton thanks all of those in Albany for their work in this critical effort for New York’s veterans.”

U.S. Representative Sean Patrick Maloney recently teamed up with Senator Ball to host a “NY Jobs For Heroes Roundtable” at the Carmel Town Hall to call for the legislation.

“After our brave men and women have dedicated their lives in service to our country, more than three million veterans have come home to start small businesses. We must do all that we can to support our heroes, and I commend Governor Cuomo and Senator Ball for working together on this historic agreement to ensure our veteran-owned businesses have access to billions of dollars in state contracts. With post 9-11 veterans facing a staggering 9.2 percent unemployment rate nationwide, it’s our duty to help highly skilled veterans start small businesses and gain meaningful employment upon their return to civilian life,” said Representative Sean Patrick Maloney.

Also participating in the “NY Jobs For Heroes” roundtable, as well as Senator Greg Ball’s lobby day in Albany to push for this legislation, was former CEO of HBO and Yorktown resident, Bill Nelson, who said: “Passing the NY Jobs For Heroes legislation sends the strong message that Governor Cuomo and the NYS Senate and Assembly support our service-disabled veterans and recognize the sacrifice they and their families have made. This legislation has always been about giving the opportunity to our disabled veteran small business owners to provide for themselves, and now they can do just that. I especially commend Senator Ball and his colleagues who have fought for this legislation since 2007 and for the Governor’s leadership in bringing this to fruition.”

Tully Rinckey PLLC Managing Partner Greg T. Rinckey, Esq. said: “Passage of this legislation will change the game for Tully Rinckey PLLC, and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses like us across New York. Opening the door to veterans will begin to chip away at the chronically high unemployment rate for New Yorkers who served, and at the same time encourage investment in a small business community that sorely needs it. It’s a win-win. I applaud Senator Ball, and the rest of the Legislature, for making New York a leader in helping veterans, as well as small businesses.”

R. Chance Mims, Chairman and CEO, Academy Securities, Inc. said: “Academy Securities is pleased that Governor Cuomo and State Legislative Leaders have worked together on such an important issue and announced an agreement for a 6% set-aside for disabled veteran owned firms in the State of New York. This legislation will put New York State at the forefront of veteran employment initiatives and will greatly support efforts to hire and train veterans for meaningful post service careers. Academy Securities applauds the state’s leadership and vision in supporting our military heroes.”

Ned D. Foote, President, Vietnam Veterans of America New York State Council, said: “On behalf of the more than 300,000 Vietnam and Vietnam-era veterans, the largest single block of veterans in New York State’s population of almost one million veterans, the Vietnam Veterans of America New York State Council applauds Senator Greg Ball’s efforts to pass this much-needed legislation in recognition of those who have served our great state and country.”